Take a photo instead of keeping the thing.

Not everything needs to take up physical space to be worth keeping. Snap a picture, save it to an album on your phone, and let the actual item go.

1. The 100th cute drawing your kids brought home

2. The card from someone you love that’s been sitting in a pile for two years

3. A warranty pamphlet or instruction manual you might need someday

4. A spread from a magazine you want to reference later

This way, the memory stays but the clutter does not!

Something to do today:

Write down the three most important things you’d like to accomplish this week. Keeping the list short helps you focus on what actually matters.

Something to do this week:

Swap out or refresh something small that gets used daily — a dish sponge, kitchen towel, or water filter. Tiny updates like this quietly improve everyday routines.

Baked Feta Pasta

Page 109 in The Simplified Cookbook

Ingredients:

• 1 (8 oz) block feta cheese

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes

• 3 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 (16 oz) box bowtie pasta

• 1/4 cup chopped basil, for topping

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Place feta cheese in center of baking dish, and place the tomatoes around the feta.

3. Drizzle olive oil over the entire dish, then add salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove and stir.

5. While feta and tomatoes are baking, boil bowtie pasta according to instructions on the package until al dente. Drain pasta and add to the baking dish, stirring thoroughly to combine.

6. Top with chopped basil.

Get ahead of your week & make time for the things on your agenda!

1. Send out birthday cards for upcoming May birthdays.

2. Wipe down baseboards in one room.

3. Clear out old downloads or files from your computer desktop.

4. Clean pollen or dust from window screens.

5. Leave a small note of encouragement for someone in your home.

👇What else are you putting in your planner this week?

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Liz just bought this linen top and matching shorts for the cutest summer set!

We were just talking about how annoying it is when containers are missing lids. This 40-piece set is only $20 — perfect for a little pre-summer reset!

The book everyone’s talking about right now — add it to your list!

Fun, bright water bottle for hot weather! We always say how much we love that the straw is covered in public places — so smart.

Lindsey just bought this personalized blanket for her new nephew. The quality is perfection and it’s so easy to order on Amazon — such a sweet gift!

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is finally in theaters! Who went to see it this weekend? We need reviews — tell us in the comments!

This tinted sunscreen is kind of magical. It blends seamlessly into your skin with SPF 50. A lot of our team wears it as foundation!

Such a fun promo — $10 stacking bracelets! Perfect for stocking up for yourself and having a few on hand for easy gifts. The cutest options are still available!

Emily posted 27 Decisions I Made Once and Never Made Again on her Substack, and we all felt so seen. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s full of great ideas.

Cutest pool floats that keep your style going, even in the water. Such a fun summer upgrade!

Each week, we're answering your real-life questions — about routines, meal ideas, work-life balance, favorite movies, and everything in between. Got a question? Leave it in the comments!

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Q: “What’s something you’re excited about in this season of life?”

Emily: Oh my gosh, so much. I have big kids now! My oldest is learning to drive and my twins start middle school in the Fall.

Brittany: My oldest is 9 and my littlest 3 are starting kindergarten in the fall, so we are waving goodbye to preschool days and are squarely in our elementary era. This season is full of funny conversations, family inside jokes, movie quotes we all know and reference, trips together that feel a little easier and a lot more fun, and saying yes to more adventures.

Whitney: My kids are 5 and 7 and I genuinely could not love this season more. It’s so fun watching their imaginations and skills grow, and sharing the things I love with them! My husband and I met in high school on swim team (and later coached together) and this summer will be my kids’ first on summer swim team. I can’t wait to be at their meets as a mom!

Dusty: This season feels especially sweet because our family is growing. Our newest grandbaby arrived on April 25. There’s something so grounding about slowing down and soaking in these moments while watching a new generation begin. It’s made me more present and more grateful for time together. Everything feels a little more meaningful right now.

Laura: This summer is a big one for my girls! My oldest is starting high school sports — she amazes me every day and I know she is so ready! My middle is going to be in two theater productions this summer, her favorite place to be. And my youngest is my mini, just loving being seven!

Carly: I have my first solo trip planned for this summer, and I’m really excited to have that time for some self-love and exploration!

Lindsey: I’m really excited for a few weekend trips with friends and family this summer. And honestly, I’m just soaking up this time at home with my husband and our dog. We’re celebrating our first anniversary, which feels really special — such a sweet way to start another season together.

Liz: Our baby GIRL is coming in just a matter of days! I am really looking forward to another shot at the newborn phase with a little more experience under my belt. Everything was so scary and unknown the first time around, it was often hard to “soak up the moments”. But I’m excited for another season of learning and growing.

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Whitney is continuing to paint new pieces, which really looks like creating a lot of art to find just the right pattern. It’s a slower process than you might think, and we always love each piece… until we see the final winner and are somehow even more wow-ed.

Carly has been planning summer content and upcoming photo shoots with Emily. It’s a bit of a puzzle working around schedules and launches, but it always comes together in the best way.

Liz is heading into her last week before maternity leave, and we’ve definitely been soaking up every minute with her — and asking her every question we possibly can before she’s out. Have we mentioned how much we’re going to miss her?

Oh! By the way, something fun is coming on Wednesday... 🤭

A Summer of Reading

Print this page and keep it somewhere you’ll see often — tucked in your planner, on your nightstand, or by your favorite reading spot. Use the Currently Reading section to track what you’re enjoying now, and the Want to Read list for books you’re excited to pick up next. Cross them off as you go and let it be a simple, fun way to enjoy your summer reading.

What’s one brave thing you could try this month?

Get your journal for the season here.

Thanks for reading this week’s edition of Sunday Prep! We hope you have the best week! Can’t wait to chat Wednesday in our next Post! 💕

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There are seasons where everything feels manageable.

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Spring has a way of changing how your home feels without you really doing anything at all. The light gets brighter, the days stretch a little longer, and suddenly things that blended into the background all winter start to stand out. Spaces feel a little fuller, surfaces look a little more crowded, and even the cozy layers that felt right a few months ago can start to feel heavier than they need to.

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A lot of us are walking around waiting for a quiet kind of permission.

Not in an obvious way. Not something we would say out loud. But in the small pauses during the day — when we hesitate, second guess, or feel a little guilty for wanting things to feel easier, calmer, or different.

And the thing is, the person next to you is probably carrying something really similar. Even the people who seem like they have it all together are asking their own version of “Is this okay?” or “Am I doing this right?”

We just don’t always say it out loud.

So instead of overthinking it, here’s a simple list of things you might need to hear today.

Take what you need:

1. You are allowed to change your mind.

2. You are allowed to take a few minutes of quiet (even if that means hiding in your closet or sitting in your car).

3. You are allowed to not respond right away.

4. You are allowed to feel tired of managing everything.

5. You are allowed to do less today.

6. You are allowed to outgrow routines, roles, and expectations.

7. You are allowed to rest before you reach your breaking point.

8. You are allowed to take the easier option.

9. You are allowed to want a slower pace of life.

10. You are allowed to enjoy things that don’t make you more productive.

11. You are allowed to ask for help.

12. You are allowed to not have a perfect explanation for how you’re feeling.

13. You are allowed to feel proud of small, ordinary things.

14. You are allowed to not have it all figured out.

15. You are allowed to protect your energy without over-explaining.

16. You are allowed to be in a season that looks different than what you expected.

17. You are allowed to be a person, not a perfectly functioning system.

There’s something comforting about remembering this isn’t just you! So many people are carrying the same quiet pressure, the same internal expectations, the same feeling that they should be handling things better than they are.

We’re all a lot more alike in this than we think. Not because everyone’s situations are the same, or because one person’s struggles make another’s less valid. It doesn’t take away from what you’re carrying, and it doesn’t make someone else’s load heavier or lighter.

It just means that in different ways, we’re all navigating stress, pressure, and the feeling of trying to keep up. And maybe there’s a little bit of relief in knowing you’re not the only one feeling it.

If you needed to hear even one of these today, keep it. Come back to it when you need it. Share it with someone who might need it too.

P.S. You don’t actually need permission! But sometimes it helps to hear it anyway.

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Happy Launch Day, friends! Today always brings the best kind of energy — that fresh start feeling, joyful excitement, and the hope of a wonderful year ahead. But this year feels different (in a great way!). Not just because of what we created, but because of why we created it.

Every year, we come back to the same question: What do women actually need right now? Not in a perfect, everything-goes-right kind of life — but in real life. The full calendars. The mental load. The seasons that feel busy and overwhelming. Now more than ever, it’s clear just how many different seasons women are carrying at once.

At the heart of this collection was one simple goal: to make more women feel seen.

In the middle of full days and quiet seasons.

In careers, in homes, in classrooms, in new beginnings.

In the building, the rebuilding, and everything in between.

Working moms. Stay-at-home moms.

Single women. Students.

Empty nesters stepping into what’s next.

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Shrink the starting point

If a task feels heavy, make the starting point smaller than you think it should be.

1. Instead of “clean the kitchen,” start with just the sink.

2. Instead of “organize the closet,” start with five hangers.

Small starting points remove resistance. Very often the hardest part of a task is simply beginning.

Something to do today:

Choose one dinner for the week and do a little prep today — wash and chop the vegetables, mix the sauce, or cook part of the meal so it’s ready to finish later.

Something to do this week:

Take a short walk somewhere slightly different than usual. A new street or park can refresh your perspective, and it’s fun to feel inspired by a change of scenery.

Chicken Squares

Page 154 in The Simplified Cookbook

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

• 2 Tbsp mayonnaoise

• 6 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 (8 oz) tubes crescent rolls

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a medium bowl, mix cooked chicken, mayo, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheese together.

3. Unroll crescent roll dough and connect 2 dough triangles together to make 1 square. Repeat to make 4 squares.

4. Put one-quarter of chicken mixture into center of each square.

5. Fold dough over filling and pinch corners together to close in the center. Place them on a baking sheet.

6. Bake for 20 minutes.

Get ahead of your week & make time for the things on your agenda!

1. Wipe down light switches and door handles throughout the house.

2. Plant flowers, herbs, or a small plant.

3. Send someone a quick “thinking of you” message.

4. File or scan any loose paperwork that has accumulated.

5. Wash the car mats that collected winter salt and mud.

👇What else are you putting in your planner this week?

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Professional mom tips for the dentist entered the chat this week.

Snacks entered the chat too ... Emily tried and reordered the chicken gyro from Jimmy John’s. Liz has everyone craving dark chocolate covered raspberries. Any new things we should try next week? Tell us in the comments!

This half-zip pullover is adorable for spring. Plus, matching shorts to make it a set. Love the stripes!

Emily and Lindsey love these face masks. Tip: Wear it for a few hours while you’re cleaning the house or folding laundry. Win-win!

Laura is on the hunt for a great color printer. Whitney and Emily both recommended this one!

The only book Emily gave 5 stars in March. It’s a must-read!

If you were born in a year that starts with 19, then it’s probably time to upgrade your bras. Almost everyone on the team has converted to these bras. Comfortable & supportive!

The pink sneakers on Lindsey’s birthday wishlist. Color is so in this summer!

Emily’s favorite ruched one-piece is on sale. So flattering!

Yes, we’re still talking about these spring shoes. They go with everything!

Each week, we're answering your real-life questions — about routines, meal ideas, work-life balance, favorite movies, and everything in between. Got a question? Leave it in the comments!

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Q: “What’s the first thing you write in your Planner each week — and why is it helpful?”

Emily: I start by writing in everything that’s non-negotiable — meetings, kid practices, anything I need to be at that week. Then I go back and add what I need to get done.

Brittany: On Monday mornings, I open my planner to write my work to-do list for the day — I treat it like a brain dump and then add a ⭐ beside the most urgent items. It’s a great start to my work week, and I can see my overall objectives and start tackling my tasks between any calls or meetings. Anything that doesn’t get finished that day gets added to Tuesday’s list.

Whitney: I use our new (coming soon!) Undated Daily Planner so each day is a (super) fresh start. The first thing I write is the date and then I fill in any appointments or meetings for the day, followed by work to-dos in the top and personal to-dos in the bottom.

Dusty: Appointments and dinners go in first. Once I see the shape of the week, I know when to shop and when dinner needs a head start.

Laura: First thing is always our lineup of practices and games. It quickly shows me what nights will need a quick on-the-go dinner, and what nights I’ll have a little extra time to make something more “fancy”.

Carly: Anything that’s a definite schedule — meetings, appointments, shoot days on location, etc., — all go first. Then I’ll make a list of to-dos, check the weather, and build in my shoot/edit times from there! It’s helpful for me to know when I use a sunny morning for filming, or if there’s a rainy day where I can get cozy and edit photos for hours.

Lindsey: The first thing I write in my planner every week is the 3-5 big work tasks that absolutely have to get done. That’s what sets the tone for where my creativity and productivity will go each day.

Liz: The first task I write for every Monday morning is “clear out email inbox”. It feels silly but it’s a very manageable thing I can tackle when I first sit down at my desk at the start of the week, and a great way to kick the day off with an easy win.

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It’s LAUNCH WEEK! We can’t wait to show you everything tomorrow. Candy and caffeine are flowing, and the vibes around here are high and so fun.

When we switch to sharpie on a notepad, you know we mean business! The week before Launch had us BUSY!

Brittany has been entering wholesale orders for April and May, helping get Simplified products stocked in shops across the country. Keep an eye out — you might spot Simplified at your local boutique soon!

Curate a mini soundtrack for the things you do each week.

Choose 5–10 songs that match the mood you want for certain moments — calm mornings, sunny drives, or slow evenings. A good playlist can make the drive to your workout more fun or wandering the grocery store a little more enjoyable. Let music help you romanticize the small moments and everyday chores.

What’s one thing you want to nurture this month — like a plant that needs tending?

Get your journal for the season here.

Thanks for reading this week’s edition of Sunday Prep! We hope you have the best week! Can’t wait to chat Wednesday in our next Post! 💕

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Most of us don’t lose April all at once.

It’s the Monday that turned into a fire drill. The weekend that got volunteered for something before you had a chance to think about it. The afternoon you meant to spend outside that somehow became errands. Before you know it, you’re looking at your planner and it’s the last week of the month and you’re costcwondering where it went.

It doesn’t have to go that way. Ten minutes at the start is honestly all it takes to change how the whole month feels.

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There’s a quiet voice that follows us around all day.

It shows up when the kitchen is still messy at the end of the night. When you remember something you forgot earlier. When you look at the calendar and realize how full the week already feels.

And sometimes that voice isn’t very kind.

It says things like you should be doing better or why can’t you keep up with everything?

The strange thing is, we would never speak to someone we love that way.

If a friend told you she forgot the permission slip, you’d probably say, That happens. I’ve done the same thing.

If someone you care about said she felt behind, you’d remind her of everything she’s already managing.

But when it comes to ourselves, the tone suddenly changes.

The truth is, most of us are doing far more than we give ourselves credit for. We’re managing homes, raising families, keeping track of schedules, making meals, solving problems before anyone else even notices them.

That’s a lot for one person to carry!!

And here’s something else worth remembering: the people around you are not sitting there waiting for you to fail. Your family, your friends, the people who know you well—they’re rooting for you. They want the best for you. They see your effort, even when you don’t.

Constantly criticizing yourself is draining. It’s exhausting to carry that kind of negativity around all day. Life is already full enough without adding that extra weight. So if you’ve been a little hard on yourself lately, this might be a good moment for a small mindset shift.

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Every January, thousands of you join us for the Simplicity Challenge.

One small task each day. Thirty-one days of clearing, resetting, and starting the year with a little more breathing room at home. Over the years we’ve heard the same thing again and again: Breaking things into small daily tasks makes it so much easier to actually get things done.

Spring cleaning, on the other hand, often feels like the opposite.

A big list.

A full weekend.

An overwhelming project you keep meaning to get to.

So this year, we thought we’d borrow something familiar. Instead of one big spring cleaning day, we turned it into a mini Simplicity Challenge.

Seven days.

One focus each day.

Small resets that prepare your home for the season ahead.

You can do the challenge in one week, or spread it out over a couple of weekends. The goal is simply to make it feel manageable instead of daunting.

Here’s how it works. And to make it easy to follow along, we also created a printable checklist with all 7 days of tasks you can save or tuck into your Planner.

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Spring always feels like a reset. And funny enough, the baseboards aren’t the only things that need a little spring cleaning. Sometimes it’s our routines, expectations, and the pace of family life.

It’s that moment where you look around and think… maybe we don’t have to keep doing everything the way we’ve been doing it.

The days are getting longer, the windows are open again, and somehow that makes it easier to notice what’s working and what’s not. What feels good in this season, and what just feels like noise.

Insert a few deep breaths here. Oh—and relax your shoulders while you’re at it.

So this spring, we’re making a few simple edits.

Nothing extreme. Just a small list of things we’re saying no to… and a few things we’re saying yes to instead.

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Happy March 4, 2026! There’s a small detail about today that’s easy to miss. March 4th — it’s the only date on the calendar that reads like a sentence. The only one that quietly offers direction.

March forth.

By now, the energy of the new year has shifted. January’s clean slate has softened into routine. February likely asked for consistency more than excitement. And here we are — not quite in spring, but no longer in the depths of winter either. This is often when momentum feels less obvious.

The goals you set in January may not feel as fresh. The habits you committed to have become ordinary. What once felt intentional may now just feel ongoing. That’s what makes this date meaningful!

March 4th doesn’t ask you to reinvent yourself. It doesn’t suggest a dramatic reset. It simply nudges you to stay with what you’ve already begun. You’ve already made decisions this year. You’ve already taken steps. You’re not at the starting line — you’re in the middle of building something. And most meaningful progress happens here, in the middle. Quietly. Repeatedly. Without much applause.

If you’d like to use today as a small re-calibration point, here are a few steady ways to keep moving without overwhelming yourself.

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Make space for enjoyment.

Simplicity isn’t just about removing—it’s about creating room for what you love. A walk outside, coffee in the sun, an early bedtime. Leave space for moments that restore you.

Something to do today:

Open the windows for 20 minutes. Even if it’s chilly. Let fresh air move through your space while you tidy up, change the sheets, or prep dinner. Winter air can feel stale—literally and figuratively. A short reset shifts the energy of your home more than you think.

Something to do this week:

Start a simple running list titled “Spring Refresh.” As you notice things (window washing, patio cushions, garden beds), jot them down. You’re not doing them yet—just capturing them so they stop swirling in your head.

Foil Packet Dinner

Page 134 in The Simplified Cookbook

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 (1 oz) packet of onion soup mix

• 1 lb small potatoes

• 2 (14.4 oz) cans green beans

• 4 Tbsp. butter, divided

• Optional: finely chopped parsley to top

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Cut 4 pieces of aluminum foil, 18-ish inches long each, and spray them with nonstick cooking spray.

3. Using your hands, mix ground beef and onion soup mix in a bowl. Divide the mixture into 4 and roll them into balls. Smash the tops of the balls slightly to make them flatter, but not as flat as a hamburger patty.

4. Wash and quarter potatoes. Place one-quarter of the potatoes in the center of each piece of aluminum foil.

5. Drain green beans and place an even portion on top of the potatoes in each packet.

6. Place beef patties on top of vegetables.

7. Place 1 Tbsp of butter on top of each beef patty.

8. Close each aluminum foil packet by pulling up the sides then bringing the other two sides to meet.

9. Bake for 45 minutes, or until patties reach 160 degrees internally.

This is such a great weeknight meal for busy weeks. Easy prep, easy cleanup—win win!

Get ahead of your week & make time for the things on your agenda!

1. Book your annual physical or dentist appointment

2. Wash your windows (even if just the insides)

3. Text a friend a genuine compliment

4. Choose a day to swap your closet to spring

5. Check for March birthdays and mail cards early

👇What else are you putting in your planner this week?

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1. Emily and Carly started using this hairspray. Now we all want to try! This brand smells amazing.

   

2. Our team is loving this color right now. And this adorable top is on saleee!

3. Big news: Lindsey’s new takeout order of choice is Chipotle’s crunchy tacos. Has anyone tried them?

   

4. These $12 earrings are a new everyday staple.

5. Team meetings are now filled with lots of Bridgerton talk. Laura convinced Brittany to start watching and now Brittany can’t look away, listening to podcasts, and watching Queen Charlotte too!

   

6. Laura’s girls love this clay kit. Keeping them creative and busy for a long time! This would make a great birthday party gift for kids.

   

7. Roller Rabbit x Target launches on Saturday! Don’t miss all the cute things at great prices.

8. Dusty is reading The Family Remains, and highly recommends. What are you reading right now?

   

9. This very beautiful, very bright dress is perfect for Easter.

10. Whitney is working on her garden with a fresh Garden Planner. We already can’t wait to see the beauty she grows!

    

Each week, we're answering your real-life questions—about routines, meal ideas, work-life balance, favorite movies, and everything in between. Got a question? Leave it in the comments!

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Q: “What’s something outside of work that’s been bringing you a lot of joy lately?”

Emily: Planning a trip to snowy Colorado for a few days over Spring Break! My Florida-born kids love to see snow!

Brittany: Planning a trip to Italy! We have never been before and I am so excited to explore a new country and culture, and to spend some quality time with my husband and cousin besties!

Whitney: Creating just to create. Instead of a resolution for 2026 I made a list of projects I want to try!

Dusty: Crocheting. I set out a goal to make everyone in the family a blanket this year. 3 down, 7 to go!

Laura: Spending 1-on-1 time with my girls!

Carly: Swimming! I swam competitively from grade school to college, and took a long break after I graduated. Now, I’m swimming regularly again with a local adult group, and it’s been an absolute blast. I’m both mentally and physically happier because of it!

Lindsey: I’ve been enjoying walking by myself outside while listening to music. It’s simple, but it’s been a really nice way to clear my head and have a little time that’s just mine.

Liz: I’ve been trying to step away at lunch time for a quick walk outside with my husband and the dog. It doesn’t happen every work day, but I’ve been making a major effort to squeeze it in and it makes such a difference in my afternoon.

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1. We were named Forbes’ Best Overall Planner for 2026, and we’re still pinching ourselves. What an incredible honor for Simplified. But let’s be honest… we’ve always known it’s the best Planner. 😉

   

2. Our Travel Collection launched on Wednesday and it’s officially out in the world. The Misty Meadow Train Case has been the bestseller so far. And of the new charms, the Bow is the favorite! What did you get?

3. Lindsey and Carly flew to Pensacola this week for a spring photoshoot with Emily and the new collection. They spent the day picking outfits, styling details, and yes—throwing confetti (obviously). Emily now has all the new products… and she will not stop showing them on Instagram. Consider this your warning!

Welcome to Springo Bingo!

Mark off a few this week, go for a full row, or work your way through the whole board during March. No pressure to finish—just enjoy the season and have fun with it.

Download here.

Name one small risk you want to take this month.

Why does it feel worth it?

Get your journal for the season here.

Thanks for reading this week’s edition of Sunday Prep! We hope you have the best week! Can’t wait to chat Wednesday in our next Post! 💕

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There’s a quiet responsibility that comes with caring for a home. You’re aware of what’s running low. You keep track of appointments. You remember the form that needs to be signed, the birthday coming up, the practice that ends later than usual. And while you’re nodding your head, we also know most of it happens without much recognition.

On their own, these details don’t feel heavy. But when they live only in your head, they create a kind of background noise—a steady mental tracking of what’s next and what might be forgotten. Often, it isn’t the work itself that’s tiring. It’s being the only place the work lives.

Over time, a few simple lists can become the quiet framework that supports everything else. They aren’t complicated. They’re just consistent!

Here are five lists that make a real difference.

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